Drink Of The Week: Harvey Wallbanger

Celebrating A Bright-Suited Bruiser From The '70s

This cocktail may be quite orange in color, but as far as potency goes, the name says it all.

A bit of history with your buzz...

Story goes that this cocktail was inspired by a California surfer named Harvey, who liked to drink Screwdrivers spiked with Galliano liqueur.

One day, after losing a big surfing contest and having a particularly bad day on the water, he headed to his favorite bar and washed out his sorrows in his drink of choice. After having a few too many, he tried to find his way out of the bar and walked smack into the wall. From that day on, he became known as “the Wallbanger.”

Some people say mixologist Donato “Duke” Antone, who also created the “Rusty Nail,” was the bartender at Harvey’s favorite watering hole and was inspired by Harvey to make the drink.

Another version of the story pegs the Harvey Wallbanger as the brainchild of a Galliano marketing team, who in the 1970s was asked to devise a cocktail recipe that would put its product on the map. That could explain why the Harvey Wallbanger enjoyed so much success in the 1970s, becoming a barroom staple, a cartoon character and a drink special on TWA flights.

Hair on your chest factor: 58/100

This cocktail may be quite orange in color, but as far as potency goes, the name says it all. It’s one of those drinks that’s easy to binge on. You might want to rearrange the furniture — and stay clear of walls — before you start mixing.

A good vodka and quality orange juice will give this cocktail a nice taste, but what gives it its kick is the Galliano — a golden liqueur from Italy that’s flavored with herbs. Galliano has a complex flavor, with hints of sweetness, vanilla and the licorice-like anise. Ingredients: 1 ounce vodka 1/2 ounce Galliano herbal liqueur 4 ounces orange juice Orange slice

Instructions: Pour vodka and orange juice into a Collins glass over ice and stir. Float the Galliano on top, making sure to pour in slowly. Garnish with an orange slice and serve.